Monday, May 31, 2010

“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.” - Arnold Toynbee

We had a heat wave in Toronto last week. Our air conditioning is not on yet as we are in the midst of a major upgrade to our system and that will be completed today (hopefully). I'm one of those people who gets lethargic in the heat so I didn't get much done until I realized that I would be much cooler in the morning if I worked outside. We have outlets on the balcony so I moved my laptop out and had a much more productive day. The sun hits at about 1:00 so I moved back inside then. I live in an old building with a huge balcony. The photo is of the short wide end and has room for 2 loungers as well as a table that seats 4. The opposite end is about 6' wide and allows me to have a large garden. I'm still potting bedding plants and I'll do some photo's of that end once I've got it cleaned up. I think I'll be working outside a lot more often!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Once a week I post interviews with interesting designers about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every designer makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting world.

Just about anywhere - movies, books, fashion magazines, people on the street. And then there's my closet: the items I love and want more of or a knitted version, as well as the items that are "missing" from my wardrobe. From the time I started knitting, I've been interested in adjusting things to my vision: different yarn, different stitch pattern, or different ideas about shaping. Part of that is just me wanting things the way I want, but I think my experience as a graphic designer comes into play, too, since I know that things can be changed, even within the somewhat narrow framework of what a sweater is. I've always likened my graphic design work to writing a sonnet - there are strict rules about what constitutes a sonnet (or a book cover), but within that space is room for amazing art.

What is your favourite knitting technique?

Right now I'm very into lace. My orderly little brain just loves seeing the patterns work themselves out, the increases and decreases in the correct order that make everything come out even. And lace is so pretty! Then I also love the soothing pleasure of stockinette - sometimes you just want to knit.

How did you determine your size range?

Most of my patterns thus far are accessories, so one or two sizes. My sized pattern Vines is graded from Women's XS to XL (conveniently, I'm a medium), but I also try to include information in my patterns that allow knitters to customize their projects. Vines has a chart breaking down the number of lace repeats in each section (front/back, straps, and underarm), so a knitter could go beyond the graded stitch counts in the pattern to create something that will fit them "just right". My next graded pattern is a unisex pullover, and I plan to grade it from children's sizes up to adult XXL (it helps that my youngest daughter is under two, while my father and brother are six-foot-plus guys). Just as important as grading to a set number of sizes is giving the knitter the information that will help them make their project their own.

Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?

I'm always looking at what other designers are doing. It's amazing to see the creativity in the knitting community, in books, magazines, and online. What I love is seeing how many different ways there are to create using the same basic principles. After I released the Matryoshka Japonais pattern, Susan B. Anderson's Itty Bitty Toys came out with an adorable, totally different approach to matryoshka dolls (each doll is two pieces and nests into the larger one, whereas mine are stuffed dolls).

How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?

I try to write patterns in a thorough way that will answer most knitters' questions without insulting their intelligence - I usually have a somewhat extensive and chatty note section at the beginning. But it's important to remember that the knitters interested in our patterns come from all different skill levels, so I try to cover all the bases in a pattern and include a list of needed skills.

I think the bigger controversy these days is free vs. pay patterns. Everyone wants something for nothing, but I think more and more knitters are coming to see that you pay for what you get. Knitty is great, and their patterns are free to the end user, supported by advertising. But Twist Collective is great, too, and their business model is so intriguing, especially as we look at the future of free vs. pay online content.

How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?

I worked with some wonderful volunteer test knitters for Vines, who all received copies of the final pattern, because it was my first graded pattern and I wanted some outside verification of my numbers. But generally it's just me obsessing, taking notes, and knitting away, since I tend to work things out while knitting.

Did you do a formal business plan?

Not yet. I still consider myself "Pro Am". But there will come a time soon (I hope!) when I will need to come up with a proper road map. I have a few different ideas of which direction I'm heading.

Do you have a mentor?

Not really, though I consider EZ my patron saint :) But as I've gotten deeper into knitting and knitwear design, I've gotten to know some other designers who inspire me not just with their designs but with making a go of knitting as a career or as a sideline.

Do you have a business model that you have emulated?

Does winging it count? I'm still trying to figure out what all I want to do with knitting and design. When I worked full-time, I was an art director in book publishing, so I know a lot about that process. I have some ideas for a book. But I also feel that there ought to be *more* creative knitting outlets. If the caliber of projects on the "Not Knitty" board (patterns not accepted for publication in Knitty) on Ravelry are any indication, there is room for another knitting publication, whether online or in print, though I don't think I'm ready to do something like that yet. Sadly, the timing wasn't right for the wonderful Knotions or PopKnits, and I think it will be a while longer before things recover enough for another online publication to really make a go of it.

What impact has the Internet had on your business?

I wouldn't have a business without it! Well, maybe I would, but sites like Ravelry and Etsy and the knit blogosphere have made such a difference.

Do you use a Tech Editor?

I don't, but it's on the short list to find one soon. Up until now I've been pretty thorough with my patterns, usually knitting more than one to write up and catch any errors. But my ideas are coming fast and furious, and I think I'd be even more confident with another set of eyes going over my work, particularly as I create more graded projects.

How do you maintain your life/work balance?

What, now? I'm lucky enough to work freelance from home, which means I can do laundry while doing photo research and work on knitting patterns when there are gaps between graphic design projects, and my husband is a professor of Victorian Literature who works part of the time at home (you can read and write just about anywhere), so together we do our best to tag-team the kids and household stuff. Stephen (7) and Isobel (5) are in school, and Penelope (20 months) goes to daycare two days a week, which gives me some uninterrupted work time. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

How do you deal with criticism?

I do my best to learn from it, not get defensive, and remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Of course, that means I'm entitled to my opinion, too. My background is in graphic design, so I'm used to critiques.

How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?

Hehe. I'll let you know. For now it allows me to buy some more yarn without denting the family budget, but I hope it will continue to grow (it really is time to get that business plan together!).

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

There are more photo's once you get to the article. The art is by Daniela Edburg and she is interviewed by Nicole Pasulka. The complete interview is at the link. I've copied in one Q & A below.

Why did you start knitting compulsively? For me (Daniela) it began to be a form of occupational therapy, even without knowing what I was doing. I started knitting long strips of fluffy pink material, and after a while I realized it was perfect to put together a brain, and a nice new fluffy brain was exactly what I needed at the moment, a soft and simple version. Knitting and crocheting are basic activities that permit me to build something without worrying about the concept or the story or where I am going, satisfying my need to “do something” and clearing my mind as I do it, slowly it materializes literally into a clear idea. I like this process.

I continue to be fascinated by the process of the Art knitters. The technical challenges as well as the vast scope of the knitting that they produce. I also have a tendency to be compulsive about my knitting. It's a daily activity for me and I feel cheated by any day that does not allow for some knitting time. I especially love the kinds of projects that are gauge-less, top down shawls or hats that you don't have to swatch for. I love to do the just cast on and go items like scarves or free form projects. I'm sure that's because I spend so much time swatching without an exact end product in sight. How about you, are you a compulsive Knitter?

Monday, May 24, 2010

I ask the question, "Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?" in my weekly interviews. I personally look at everything: art, nature, textiles, mainstream fashion and the work of other Knitters. I never know where their inspiration will take me but I love the ride!

The focus of this book is on designs produced with yarns suitable for warm weather. It includes designs for:

Its a compilation book with designs from many well known designers focusing on non-wool yarns like cotton, linen, bamboo and silk.I especially liked the photo table of contents that appeared before the more traditional version. I have a stitch dictionary that uses this set up and it really speeds things up when you are looking for a specific design. The book has a good variety of projects as well as a good mix of level of difficulty. It also includes a list of skill used for each pattern. That's the approach I use as well in my patterns. Having assisted many Knitters in my LYS I generally find that difficulty ratings don't work very well. Techniques that one knitter would rate as simple are difficult for others and vice versa.

Many of the garments include waistline shaping. I like to see that as I think that in general a little shaping adds a lot to the overall flattery of most knits.

Has anyone knit that bathing suit? Let me know if you did. Is the 1.7% lycra enough to keep it on in the water? I notice in the photo the model looks wet but I'm not sure if the suit is.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Once a week I post interviews with interesting designers about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every designer makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting world.

I'm inspired by what I see people wearing - especially when I visit New York, where I used to live; there are so many different kinds of people with different styles there, I always see interesting silhouettes that will find their way into my work. Also I collect stitch dictionaries and especially like finding unusual ones from other countries. I love playing around with different stitch patterns and thinking about how to best use them in a garment.What is your favourite knitting technique?

Almost everything I design has some cables or lace - or both. Actually, combining cables and lace might be my favorite. Something else I return to again and again is knitting a cable panel lengthwise for an edging, picking up stitches along one side for the sleeve or the body. I started off making hats this way and can't seem to stop using that technique.How did you determine your size range?

It's important to me to offer a wide range of sizes. I always write my patterns to fit at least 30-50" bust, sometimes up to 55" or so. That seems to satisfy the vast majority of knitters. When I first started publishing sweater designs, I did some informal polling of my plus sized knitting friends, and they indicated that that would be a good range. It's nice to see that many publications seem to be offering that kind of range now, which I think was less common before.Do you look at other designers’ work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?

I definitely look at other designers' work. It's important to me to see what is popular with knitters and to be aware of where the industry is going. Also, even though I don't have time anymore to knit up other designers' patterns, it's fun to see them and dream of having more knitting time (or maybe a second set of hands)!It's inevitable that we'll be influenced by garments that we see around us, and I don't think there's anything wrong with being inspired by what other designers are doing.How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?

It's not something that I'm terribly concerned about. When I teach, I do try to help knitters become less reliant on patterns spelling out every last detail, and to encourage them to think about how to adapt patterns to fit their own body and style. But at the same time, the current generation of knitters mostly didn't learn from mothers and grandmothers, but rather most of the knitters I know taught themselves or took a class. (And I'm one of those also - no one in my family was a knitter, at least that I'm aware of.) So we're a generation that "grew up" as knitters more reliant on patterns, not having as many other knitters in our households who we could go to when we were stuck. Of course the Internet does help alleviate some of that.How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?

I usually knit my samples myself. Right now that works out best financially, and it also allows me to adjust things as I go, which I generally prefer. I must admit that I rip out and re-work things a lot.

Did you do a formal business plan?

No, I haven't done that, although perhaps I should.Do you have a mentor?

Not in any formal way. When I was first getting into designing, I was working for Berta Karapetyan, the founder of Karabella Yarns, at her retail store in NYC, School Products. She was definitely a mentor for me, teaching me a lot of what I know about grading patterns and other design issues. After I had worked in her shop for a little while, she hired me to write patterns for the designs she was doing for Karabella, which was kind of a trial by fire! I was extremely lucky to meet her when I did - at the time I had no idea what a great designer I was signing on to work for.Do you have a business model that you have emulated?

No. The business aspect of the business can be a bit of a struggle for me. Part of me wishes I didn't have to deal with all of that and could just focus on the craft. But that's just a fantasy! At the end of the day, it is a business, and it's probably good for me to stretch in that direction.What impact has the Internet had on your business?

The Internet has been hugely important to my business. Although I do some wholesaling, most of my pattern sales have been through my website, Ravelry, and Twist Collective, and my most popular design by a very long shot is Helena, my baby sweater pattern in Knitty's Summer '08 issue, which I still get a lot of emails about, so I know that people are still knitting that one.Furthermore, besides my business being mostly online, I feel that the Internet has helped sustained a "knitting boom" for many years now - far more than most of us predicted during the Fun Fur scarf craze in the early 2000's. Because most of us didn't have knitting mothers and grandmothers to turn to, we went online to find other knitters, and it's been amazing to see so many of the scarf knitters branch out into complex patterns. I remember when Jenna Wilson's Rogue sweater became popular, thinking how great it was that so many new knitters were taking on a challenging pattern - and succeeding! For me, since I tend to design things that have a lot of knitterly details like cables and lace, that was really wonderful to see, and gave me hope that my kind of knitting wasn't going to die out anytime soon.Do you use a Tech Editor?

Yes, absolutely. Having a good tech editor check your pattern is crucial. I also work as a tech editor, and when I was just starting out doing that, I found it kind of empowering to realize that even the best, most famous knit designers have errors in their patterns! No matter how good you are, you've got to have a tech editor!How do you maintain your life/work balance?

It's really challenging, since I also work other jobs to make ends meet. For me, it's having other activities that I enjoy, like spending time with my awesome husband, and friends and family, singing in my church choir, doing yoga... having other pursuits besides knitting is really important, since knitting is no longer just a hobby. Before I started designing professionally, I used to knit every day. Now I don't necessarily do that, since knitting is work now, even if I can do it in front of the TV.How do you deal with criticism?

Well, I try to keep it in perspective. I try to see where the person is coming from, and think about what is true and helpful about the criticism and what might just be one person's opinion. Also, for when I'm feeling really down about myself, I keep a "praise" file of complimentary emails, reviews, etc that I've received about my work. That file can be good for an ego boost when I need one.How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?

I'm still working on that one! As I mentioned above, I still work some other part-time jobs. Sometimes I think I could make the leap if I had more savings, so that I could continue to pay my bills while I shifted my full-time focus to my design work and built up the business more intently, but it feels like a very risky move to do it right now. My business has definitely grown enormously in the last couple years, but I'm not totally supporting myself with design work yet.What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?

Marry rich! (Just kidding. Sort of.)Cultivate relationships with other designers and industry professionals. Know that it takes a lot of time and perseverance to be successful. As in any creative field, you're going to get a lot of rejections, but you just have to believe in your work and your talent and keep putting it out there.Also, and this probably goes without saying for most people, but remember that even though this is a "hobby" industry, we're still professionals. It's important to behave like a professional in your dealings with the knitting public, and with others in the industry, and to make a professional-looking product if you're self-publishing. In my mind that goes along with the whole issue of fair compensation for designers - it's important to be professional if we expect to be paid accordingly.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I've never kept a journal and in the past I rarely ever wrote anything down other than shopping lists, things to do lists, work related notes for reference and of course knitting notes while writing patterns. My husband has always teased me that I sign every card with "Love Robin" and nothing else. I guess I need to work on that! In the last year the power of the written word has been clearly demonstrated to me and it has been a revelation to me to discover how it clarifies my thinking.

Last year after some difficulty at work a friend asked me why I was letting someone "push my buttons" when normally I'm so good at letting that sort of thing go. I couldn't answer that question when it was asked but I started writing notes every time I was reviewing the events. Eventually, after much analysis I answered the question for myself. The good thing about knowing the answer is that it led to a solution and a resolution, at least for me. It also led to starting this blog.Originally I did see the blog as more of a journal or diary but as it develops it seems to be taking a direction of its own choosing. I'm really enjoying writing. I find my self more concerned with grammar than I've ever been before and I've started reading up as grammatical questions occur to me. I've been using both of these sites for information: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ and http://dictionary1.classic.reference.com/writing/I hope that this will improve my writing and I'm sure my patterns will benefit as well. Right now my tech editor is making the grammatical improvements for me.I'm also astounded that I have readers and that the numbers of readers seem to be slowly but steadily increasing. I hope that means that I am providing value to others as well as to myself. I love doing the interviews and I get such a charge out of it when they turn up in my email. I've started reviewing knitting books not because I want to critique the work of other Knitters (I don't) but because I look at these books myself and I want share them with you, promote knitting and support other designers. I think we all have something to add to the knitting world. I've taken so many classes from so many fabulous Knitters and now it's my turn to give back.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Designers are often asked where they get their ideas from. Most often they quote their sources as fashion, vintage knitting, art, landscape and a variety of other visual inspirations. I often work from the yarn and my sewing background has been a big influence as well. I love stitch dictionaries and I spend a lot of time swatching using traditional stitch patterns as well as playing with them and making changes. I think people are really asking how do we get from the idea to a real knitted item because they are overwhelmed by the possibilities when they review the suggested sources. The sheer vastness of the available options limit their ability to make a single choice.

One of the other ways I develop an idea is to pick a technique (just one!) and read all of my technique books on that topic. Next I start swatching in an appropriate yarn and I play with what ever ideas pop up. If I wander too far from the targeted technique and have a great idea I note that one down for future experimentation and then I go back to my chosen technique. Essentially I force my brain to go down one path and generate idea's. It keeps me focused and gives me specific problems that I have to develop solutions for.

Krugle co-founder and CEO Steve Larsen says there's a reason that early-stage companies produce innovation: the financial and time constraints they operate under force people to come up with new solutions."These constraints breed creativity," says Larsen.

So give it a try and let me know how the constraint technique works for you.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Once a week I post interviews with interesting designers about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every designer makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting world.

Laura has provided a short bio as well. "I was born and raised in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Moved to the US together with my family when I was 18 years old. My parents and two younger brothers settled in Philadelphia and I decided to move to New York City for college. I received my BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design in 2007 and have been working in sweater design in fashion industry since then. Luxe Knits was a project I got involved into my last semester at Parsons and it finally came to life last August. This upcoming Fall everyone should expect a nice surprise- Luxe Knits: The Accessories- a book that will continue the aesthetics of the Luxe Knits in every sense of it."

Where do you find inspiration?

I take inspiration from the beautiful things I see around me… It could be something like crack on the sidewalk or a modern piece of furniture. Today I was passing a street full of blooming trees and the petals were falling down like snow… It was very inspirational.

What is your favorite knitting technique?

I do not have one favorite technique… It depends on the season. Usually I like to take a technique and turn it into something special and unique of my own. You can find quite a few examples of that in my book Luxe Knits. After one technique is exhausted to the point where nothing new can be done- I move on to the next one…

How did you determine your size range?

The design itself usually determines it for me. There have been cases where I could only have the Small and the Large. But most of the time I try to cover a variety of sizes if it is possible.

Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?

Working in Fashion Industry- looking at other designers’ work is by now a part of my daily routine. It is a part of the research we do. To know is to have the power. And to know what other designers are doing gives you the perspective where the trends are headed. There are very few things to be left invented in fashion- what makes a designer unique is his own personal vision.

How do you feel about the so called controversy of "dumbing down" patterns for knitters?

To me it is one of the most exciting things when writing a pattern. I call it “designing the pattern”. When you can strip the pattern of all the unnecessary things and leave just the bare bones so that it is just enough for everyone else to understand how to make the sweater…I feel accomplished…

How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?

I do most of the knitting myself. There were a few projects in Luxe Knits and the new upcoming book Luxe Knits: The Accessories where I had to get some help because of the deadlines. I keep it all in the family though- and my mother, who is an excellent knitter, has completed a few of my designs for both books.

Did you do a formal business plan?

No

Do you have a mentor?

No

Do you have a business model that you have emulated?

No

What impact has the Internet had on your business?

TheInternet has a huge impact on my everyday life as well as my work. Starting with the basic communication- which is mostly done through email…and ending with research and letting people know about you and your work. Internet is a powerful tool.

Do you use a Tech Editor?

No

How do you maintain your life/work balance?

I live an extremely active lifestyle. I do cycling, running (recently completed my first Half Marathon), skiing, swimming… That helps me to relax my mind so that when I get back to work- I am really focused and dedicated.

How do you deal with criticism?

I welcome criticism! I believe that the only way you can improve what you are doing is by taking the criticism from others.

How long did it take for you to be able to support yourself?

I think when I was still at school- I was able to pay off my full tuition for the last two years of college…so I have been doing moderately well since then…

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?

It is not just a career. It is a lifestyle. You have to love it so much that you would crave knitting…If that sounds like you- then go for it!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I ask the question, "Do you look at other designers' work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?" in my weekly interviews. I personally look at everything: art, nature, textiles, mainstream fashion and the work of other Knitters. I never know where their inspiration will take me but I love the ride!

French girls knits has 18 garment patterns and the designs are arranged into sections by the construction technique used for each. The garments are all seamless. So if you hate to sew up this could be the book for you. Kristeen's passion for all things French is felt strongly in her introduction to each pattern. The designs are both vintage inspired and often very feminine in nature. Several of the garments utilize inserts (triangles of knitting) to add additional shaping at the hemline edges to improve their fit and capacity to flatter a women's body.

Each section is filled with extra technical advice and tips on fitting the garments to customize them to your own body. The patterns themselves appear to be written with a great deal of detail.

Some of the projects definitely have the younger knitter in mind but overall this book has many garments that I'd be happy to knit and proud to wear.

Stella pictured above is one of my favourites from this book. It's a technical tour de force. I rarely knit from patterns but this one is a real temptation with its fascinating construction and beautiful silhouette.

Saturday my friend Anastasia and I worked for an out of town vendor. Indigo Moon. You can find Trish's beautiful yarns here http://www.indigomoonyarns.com/ The colour above was the yarn I received as payment.

We helped on Friday night with setting up the booth. Trish's parents were also there and we all worked together for about 3 hours to get ready for the following day. Saturday Anastasia picked me up at home and we arrived just in time to greet the hoards of Knitters who attended the frolic. Of course both Anastasia and I took time to walk the market and visit all the other great vendors there. Anastasia picked this yarn from the West Coast Musing line.

Their site is still under construction so check back there later. I bought some of the yarn that has silver spun in, it's 2% sterling silver. Very pretty and the shine is delicate and subtle.

On Sunday I taught my newest class "Proportions for EveryBody" I had a lot of fun doing it. I hope the students felt the same way. We spent the bulk of the time doing individual figure analysis and then talked about strategies to balance our figure proportions and camouflage parts we don't want other people to notice. Working as a group really helps when someone misjudges their own body (usually in a negative way) and everyone in the room is shaking their heads and saying "NO". It's also amazing to look at someone with a great figure and hear their concerns. Often what we think is the best attribute is the one that bothers them the most. Our discussion also confirmed that there really is no such thing as a standard size, every women there talked about how difficult it is to find clothes that fit. I got several really great idea's from the participants that will help me make the next session even better. I always enjoy teaching because I learn so much. I want to spend more time analyzing other figure shapes so I have more advice ready for body shapes that are different from mine.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Once a week I post interviews with interesting designers about their insights on their experience of working in the Knitting industry. I’ve noticed that every designer makes their living in a slightly different manner bringing their own unique presence to the Knitting world.

Quiet moments are golden for letting inspiration find me. It is in those quiet times that I can slow down enough to listen. I also value exploring other fiber-related disciplines and artistic media -- even music and nature. One never knows when an idea will enter the subconscious self to arise later as an "a-ha" moment.

What is your favorite knitting technique?

I like them all, but lace is my favorite for designing. I love creating through the interplay of the open areas (where light and the colors of the world beyond peak through), the solid areas, and the texture of the stitch combinations. The fact that these are all present in even the simplest of laces allows me to have patterns in my HeartStrings product line that knitter just barely starting out can successfully make. And the possibilities from there are endless in combinations, complexities, beading and multi-color treatments.

How did you determine your size range?

I design mostly for 'average' adult sizes. I do include larger sizes when the design integrity can be maintained. I don't currently do much with children's/toddlers sizes. As a solo business person and 'jack(ie) of all trades', there are just so many hours in the day, so I choose to stay focused on the mainstream of interest that my business has attracted and happily refer people to the work of other designers who handle those areas that I don't.

Do you look at other designers work or are you afraid that you will be influenced by their designs?

Of course. I love to see what my peers are doing and cheer them on! I have my own design/instructional style that is in my heart, so I really don't fear wanting to be someone else.

How do you feel about the so called controversy of “dumbing down” patterns for knitters?

I feel it is good to give the detail needed for the target audience/customers. Providing not enough or too much can be a fine line. Ideally we could read our customer's mind in real time and present exactly what they needed. In my skill-building patterns, I target a technique/skill or two or three to concentrate on. Sometimes it is so subtle that the person does not even realize (which is my intent!). I want learning new things to be fun.

How many sample/test knitters do you have working for you or do you do it all yourself?

I don't have regular (e.g. on payroll) people doing this, but I haven't done it all myself either, LOL. I do a lot of the sample knitting myself because that is my choosing. I've had some good successes with sample/test knitters. Unfortunately, I have also had many occurrences of frustrations and extra work for me. Maybe I am just too picky.

Did you do a formal business plan?

Well, by formal, yes it was written down. No, by formal, it was not taken to a bank to get financing. (My business philosophy is not a debt proposition. I started out small and grew. Manage risk investment and see where that goes -- although as we've all seen this past several months, the economic climate can challenge even the best well-laid business plans). I do periodically review my business plan to mark progress and make adjustments in goals. The biggest shift I had was in early 2002-2003 that I realized I had gotten side-lined with retail sales (having expanded into weaving and spinning as well), and although that was all going gang-busters, it was taking away from my knitting design goals and spreading me out too thin. In 2003 I went wholesale only so I could concentrate on knitting pattern designs. I think a business plan helps keep one on track; not that it can't be changed, but just that it reminded me of what I had first set out to do and still wanted to do.

Do you have a mentor?

I learned a LOT about business and personal relationships from my late hubby. He was also my dearest friend and so supportive of what I did. He passed away in 2001, but I still feel he is around when I need a helping hand.

What impact has the Internet had on your business?

The Internet continues to open new possibilities, as well as challenges. I guess because I am comfortable with computer technology (having come from that world in my 'former life'), I think of it as a great boon to creative professionals. In fact, I feel that it is good to be a single entrepreneur rather than a corporate-laden structure in these times, because the times are changing so quickly, and one has to turn on a dime. That is where we independents have an edge over the big companies.

Do you use a Tech Editor?

Umm … 'fired' the last one. Have gone back to doing it myself (I am trained in technical writing and editing, but as you undoubtedly know, it takes a different 'hat and new set of eyes' to tech edit your own stuff -- so it is best to have sufficient time to set aside the pattern and be able to look at it afresh with the testing mindset).

How do you maintain your life/work balance?

Even after taking early retirement from a day job in corporate America, I am busier than ever. But it is on my own clock, now, and that is very satisfying. I think of my work as play, because if I weren't enjoying it, then I should be doing something else. I only work about half-time -- that's just 12 hours in the day, right? LOL. I still have aspirations of "Taking time to smell the roses" which is the title of my blog, just to remind myself to do some other fun things for variety. It's easy to get caught up in perfecting a design and the time just flies, or crunched by deadlines, or just over committing (I need to keep reminding myself that I am not wonder woman). I would definitely not be someones good example of how to maintain balance -- I'm afraid my life is more like a teeter totter than a balance!

How do you deal with criticism?

I appreciate those who take the time to write to me, both positive and negative. Of course, I never like to hear the negative, but I look at it as something I can learn from and consider taking action on if it warrants. Yep, I'm human, and sometimes when a really offensive phone call comes in (I have a toll-free pattern support line even though I do not sell directly) or email, I have to really pull up my big girl panties. If there is something disturbing or unclear how to handle, it helps to sleep on it and things usually can be approached with a clearer head the next day. I find this allows me a better chance to respond constructively.

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a career in knitting?

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The brim was the result of a lot of experimentation as I couldn't be sure that it would work until a fair amount of the crown was knit as well.

I wear hats pretty much everyday so you will see more patterns for them from me in the future. They are also a good carrying around project as they are small and are often worked on circular needles. I'm currently finishing the pattern for another one that has a matching neck warmer and fingerless gloves. I've also got an idea for something unusual that I'm starting to swatch for.

I've bought some yarn and an occasional needle. I have had a little yarn support from several distributors and I intend to pursue that more actively now that I'm designing full time.

My most recent purchase was a photographers stand and canvas backdrop. My husband has been borrowing a camera but we intend to buy one soon.

I've also paid out for postage, courier fees, test knitting and tech editing. I'm using a laptop that we already have but I know from past experience that computers need replacing regularly so that will be an ongoing business cost as well. I'm pursing this career out of a lifelong love for the craft but I do need to make some income vs. spending. I wonder how other designers deal with the initial investments and ongoing cash outlay?

About Me

email contact robinknits(AT)gmail(dot)com
I've been knitting my whole life. I don't even remember learning. I started making garments for myself in my teens and then explored sewing, tailoring and millinery. I want to teach knitters about fit and flattery and turn them into fashion stars!
On my blog you will find lots of interviews with knitting industry professionals, how to tutorials and a variety of posts about what's going on in the knitting world.
I love to come out and speak at shops and guilds. Here's what the Downtown Knit collective said after one of my talks:
“Robin Hunter’s inspiring talk, “The Barbie Factor,” left everyone in a feel-good mood at the conclusion of the May meeting. Heads were nodding in agreement all around ... as she tackled a multi-faced problem faced by many knitters—why don’t we knit for ourselves? She touched on many topics including fashion, body image, media and how it all relates back to our knitting.”
You can see my patterns on http://www.patternfish.com/des/robin_hunter and you can find me on Ravelry at http://www.ravelry.com/people/knittingrobin
My YouTube channel is here:http://www.youtube.com/user/robinknits?feature=mhee